The African Union’s appointment of Burundi’s president, Évariste Ndayishimiye, as special envoy to the Sahel comes at a critical moment for a region plagued by conflict and authoritarianism. Announced on July 17th, the move aims to bolster the AU’s response to deepening human rights crises in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—countries now ruled by military juntas and largely cut off from regional oversight following their withdrawal from ECOWAS earlier this year.

Human Rights Watch cautiously welcomed the appointment, noting Burundi’s troubling rights record but urging Ndayishimiye to prioritize civilian protection, political freedoms, and accountability.

Since 2020, the Sahel has seen a collapse in democratic governance and a surge in abuses by both Islamist armed groups and state forces.

Tens of thousands have been killed, over three million displaced, and impunity reigns.

Whether the new envoy can translate his mandate into meaningful action remains to be seen. But failure, rights advocates warn, would risk legitimizing repression under the cover of diplomacy.

Source: HRW